Do you realize how lucky we are to have a planetarium in our midst? The Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium is located right on the Buffalo State College campus and it’s open to the public year ’round. Throughout the course of the year you can catch laser light shows combined with celestial and planetary showings… all done to music such as Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. The different programs that are offered correlate to the different times of year. As the earth’s position changes and the solar system evolves, so does the planetarium’s play list. Many of the shows are perfect for families to attend – if you have a young one, then you must make add a trip to the planetarium to your list of fun things to do. Guaranteed they will want to go back, and it’s cheaper and more informative than a movie.
Tickets can be reserved through the planetarium office at (716) 878-4911 or purchased at the door 30 minutes before each show until sold out. Group arrangements can be made via phone or online through the planetarium website. Buffalo State Students are admitted free with valid ID.
Summer Planetarium Programs:
The Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium is proud to present a variety of planetarium programs this summer. Public programs are offered on Friday evenings and Saturdays.
“The Sun: Our Star and Other Solar Systems” and “Our Invisible Universe” are being presented now through July 21. From July 20 to August 18, you can learn about “The Lives and Deaths of Giant Stars,” and then explore “Ancient Astronomical Sites” and “Constellations of the Zodiac” August 24-September 22.
Show times, more information, and reservation information can be found at www.fergusonplanetarium.net. Adult tickets for public programs are $6 each; discounted tickets for Buffalo State faculty and staff, senior citizens, those 18 and under, and non-Buffalo State students are $4. Public planetarium programs remain free for Buffalo State students and active or retired military personnel.
To make reservations or for more information, e-mail planetarium@buffalostate.edu or leave a message at (716) 878-4911 ext. 4911.
Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium
Department of Earth Sciences and Science Education
Buffalo State College
Buffalo, NY 14222
(716) 878-4911
Fall and winter schedule:
August 24 – September 22: Ancient Astronomical Sites
Ancient astronomers left behind astonishing sites around the world. Were they observatories? or something more?
August 24 – September 22: Constellations of the Zodiac
An astronomical, astrological, and mythological perspective of the history of the zodiac and astrology, how the zodiac is used in astronomy, and how Greek mythology and the zodiac are related.
September 28 – October 27: 2012: Prophesy of Doom?
Separate fact from fiction as we aproach 12/21/12.
October 5 – 27: The 12 Labors of Hercules
Join Charon, the boatman of the River Styx, as he tells a thrilling story from Greek mythology.
November 2 – 24: Star Lore of the Iroqouis
This program presents some of the star stories of the Iroquois in honor of National Native American Month.
November 2 – December 1: Legends of Autumn
Take a tour of the Autumn sky as seen from Buffalo and learn the legends behind the visible constellations.
November 23 – December 30: Star of Wonder
The return of this popular program about what celestial event may have been recorded as the Star of Bethlehem.
December 5 – 30: Laser Music Shows
A visual display of laser patterns choreographed with a variety of music featuring the popular show Laser Holidays.